Nadda asks Mann to clear Ayushman dues

A statement by BJP national president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda asking Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to clear the pending dues of hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme has created ripples in the state government.

Nadda took to social media to urge Mann to release the funds. In his remarks on X, he said, “I urge Bhagwant Mann to clear the dues of the hospitals as soon as possible, for there are many families, especially our hardworking farmers, benefitting under the Ayushman Bharat programme. Instead of cheering on the party unit in Delhi, it would suit to CM Bhagwant Mann to concentrate on the dwindling state of affairs in Punjab.”

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab was quick to react, saying Nadda should know that out of the total outstanding amount of Rs 376 crore, Rs 220 crore was on account of Central dues. “The Centre has withheld over Rs 800 crore due to the state under the National Health Mission for the past two years. In fact, it has also withheld over Rs 8,000 crore of Punjab’s share under various schemes,” it said.

“For the past two years, the Punjab Government has been demanding its right from the Centre. Please give us our rightful Rs 8,000 crore. If you are so concerned about the people of Punjab, why are you withholding our rightful money?” said the party.